We sat down with Rafael Tamames (PDG’18), a dynamic entrepreneur and IESE alumnus, to discuss his journey from launching his first venture at 17 to building successful companies, his insights and latest book on AI, and the invaluable lessons he’s gained from a career as an entrepreneur.
Tell us about your background and how you got to where you are today.
I’m from Madrid and the youngest of 10 children. At 17, I launched my first company: an online community for young people to share and discuss content like music, books, and video games. What we’d now call social media, this experience taught me invaluable lessons about building and growing ventures. Since then, I’ve founded six companies and sold four of them. One of them, Findasense, became an IESE case study on scaling businesses. I’ve lived in Latin America for four years, have two daughters, and my wife is French. My latest venture, Vivid Vision, builds on these experiences.
How did IESE’s PDG program contribute to your journey as an entrepreneur?
The program helped me understand how corporations operate. Most of my peers were executives in large organizations, so learning how they think and function was key, as they represent the profiles I hire. Over the past five years as a WeGrow mentor, I’ve gained insights into new business models through IESE’s robust entrepreneurship ecosystem.
What drove you to become an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship has always come naturally to me. I firmly believe it’s about solving problems and challenging the status quo. For me, being a tech entrepreneur is about using technology to create freedom and improve lives. The more freedom people have, the better they can live.
Tell us about your recently published book on AI. What can readers expect to learn?
tackles two key ideas: first, the media tends to scare us about AI, much like it did with robots before. My book shows how AI can improve our lives, supporting my belief that technology liberates and empowers us. It’s a practical, non-technical guide, with each chapter offering actionable advice on leveraging AI to enhance your life. The takeaway? Training in AI will give you a competitive edge over those who don’t.
Looking ahead, what do you believe will be the key trends shaping AI in the near future?
AI is evolving rapidly, and so are we in adapting to it. One major trend will be machines communicating with each other seamlessly—think of your smartphone coordinating with your robot vacuum. At the business level, systems like CRMs will interact to generate processes and content with minimal human intervention. This efficiency will free people to focus on more meaningful work, letting them pursue jobs they truly enjoy.
How has the IESE entrepreneurship ecosystem supported your journey?
Since completing the PDG, I’ve maintained a strong relationship with IESE. As a WeGrow mentor, I value the ongoing, mutually beneficial connection. I especially thank Professor Julia Prats, who for me has been instrumental in supporting scaleups and showing me how a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs can be built. IESE has taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about investment—it’s about formal training, mentorship, and collaboration, which together create a strong ecosystem.
What advice would you give to current IESE students or anyone considering the entrepreneurship route?
Focus on solid training in areas like finance, governance, and ethics. Be open to change and embrace a global perspective—opportunities are truly limitless.
Thank you Rafa. Now, for the speed round:
What do you do in your free time?
Entrepreneurship and anything related to traveling and discovering new cuisines.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Entrepreneurial, curious, generous.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to these days?
I always recommend Zero to One by Peter Thiel, never get tired of watching Mad Men, and I think War Games is a superb movie.
Something that makes you happy?
Seeing my daughters happy. And enjoying good food.
Favorite place?
Playa de Areas, Pontevedra.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in life so far?
Honesty pays off in the long term. Even if it doesn’t seem to in the short term, it always does eventually.